Motion translation and interface devices, systems, and methods for endoscope valves

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments are generally directed to devices, systems, and methods for controlling the flow of fluids in endoscopic systems, such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) enabled endoscopes. Some embodiments are particularly directed to valve sets and/or valve interface mechanisms for controlling air, water, and/or suction flow through a valve well for an endoscopic system. Several embodiments are directed to user interface mechanisms and techniques for enabling an operator to interact with and control endoscope valves. Many embodiments are directed to mechanisms and techniques for translating interface input motion into valve control motions. In one or more embodiments, the valve sets and/or valve interface mechanisms may be disposable.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/208,772, filed Mar. 22, 2021, which claims the benefit of priority toU.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/994,019, filed Mar. 24, 2020,the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application relates to, and incorporates by reference in itsentirety for all purposes, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/994,008, titled “Interface and Motion Translation Devices, Systems,and Methods for Endoscope Valves”, filed Mar. 24, 2020.

This application relates to, and incorporates by reference in itsentirety for all purposes, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/994,015, titled “Devices, Systems, and Methods for Controlling Fluidsin Endoscope Systems”, filed Mar. 24, 2020.

This application relates to, and incorporates by reference in itsentirety for all purposes, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/994,018, titled “Devices, Systems, and Methods for Endoscope ValveControl”, filed Mar. 24, 2020.

This application relates to, and incorporates by reference in itsentirety for all purposes, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/994,021, titled “Devices, Systems, and Methods for Fluid Control inEndoscope Systems”, filed Mar. 24, 2020.

This application relates to, and incorporates by reference in itsentirety for all purposes, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/994,024, titled “Devices, Systems, and Methods for EndoscopeFluidics”, filed Mar. 24, 2020.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medicaldevices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices,systems, and methods to control flow through a valve well for anendoscope.

BACKGROUND

An endoscopy procedure is used in medicine to access the interior of abody for diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures. Oftentimes, theendoscopy procedure uses an endoscope to examine or manipulate theinterior of a hollow organ or cavity of the body. Unlike many othermedical imaging techniques, endoscopes are inserted directly into theorgan. Typically, an endoscope includes one or more channels for theflow of one or more fluids therethrough. For example, one or more ofsuction, air, and water may flow through an endoscope. A valve assemblymay be configured and used in various fashion to control the flow of theone or more fluids through the endoscope. In the case of anechoendoscope or ultrasound endoscope, control of fluids may also beused to inflate and deflate a balloon at the end of an endoscope.

It is with these considerations in mind that a variety of advantageousoutcomes may be realized by the devices, systems and methods of thepresent disclosure.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a medical devicecomprising a valve set and a valve interface mechanism. The valve setmay include a valve set including a primary control valve, an air inputvalve, and an atmospheric valve, the primary control valve may beconfigured to control flow between a water input channel, a water outputchannel, and a balloon channel of a valve well, the air input valve maybe configured to control flow through an air input channel of the valvewell, and the atmospheric valve may be configured to control flowthrough an atmospheric channel. The valve interface mechanism mayinclude a set of one or more biasing members and a user interfacemechanism. The user interface mechanism may comprise a toggle coupled toa cam, the toggle may be operable between a first state, a second state,a third state, and a fourth state, the first state may comprise thevalve set configured to place the air input channel in fluidcommunication with the atmospheric channel, the second state maycomprise the valve set configured to place the air input channel influid communication with the air output channel, the third state maycomprise the valve set configured to place the water input channel influid communication with the water output channel, and the fourth statemay comprise the valve set configured to place the water input channelin fluid communication with the balloon channel. In the first state, theair input valve permits flow through the air input channel and theatmospheric valve permits flow through the atmospheric channel. In thesecond state, the air input valve permits flow through the air inputchannel and the atmospheric valve blocks flow through the atmosphericvalve. In the third state, the primary control valve permits flow fromthe water input channel to the water output channel and the air inputvalve blocks flow through the air input channel. In the fourth state,the primary control valve permits flow from the water input channel tothe balloon channel and the air input valve blocks flow through the airinput channel. In various embodiments, the cam may translate motion ofthe toggle into linear motion of the primary control valve. In someembodiments, the cam may comprise a plurality of steps, wherein each ofthe plurality of steps causes a different amount of linear motion of theprimary control valve. In some such embodiments, the plurality of stepsmay comprise a first step corresponding to the second state, a secondstep corresponding to the third state, and a third step corresponding tothe fourth state. In one or more embodiments, the cam may comprise aplurality of steps, wherein each of the plurality of steps areconfigured to seal the atmospheric channel. In many embodiments, thetoggle is configured to receive input to operate the user interface toone or more of the first state, the second state, the third state, andthe fourth state. In several embodiments, the set of one or more biasingmembers may comprise a first biasing member to bias the primary controlvalve toward a top of the valve well. In various embodiments, the set ofone or more biasing members may comprise a second biasing member tocouple the primary control valve to the air input valve. In severalembodiments, the set of one or more biasing members may comprise abiasing member to bias the air input valve against the air input channelin the third and fourth states. In some embodiments, the biasing membermay prevent the air input valve from blocking the air input channel inthe first and second states.

In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a medical devicecomprising a valve set and a user interface mechanism. The valve set mayinclude a primary control valve, an air input valve, and an atmosphericvalve, the primary control valve may be configured to control flowbetween a water input channel, a water output channel, and a balloonchannel of a valve well, the air input valve may be configured tocontrol flow through an air input channel of the valve well, and theatmospheric valve may be configured to control flow through anatmospheric channel. The valve interface mechanism may include a set ofone or more biasing members and a user interface mechanism, the userinterface mechanism may comprise an interface member and a slot cam, theinterface member may be operable between a first state, a second state,a third state, and a fourth state, the first state may comprise thevalve set configured to place the air input channel in fluidcommunication with the atmospheric channel, the second state maycomprise the valve set configured to place the air input channel influid communication with the air output channel, the third state maycomprise the valve set configured to place the water input channel influid communication with the water output channel, and the fourth statemay comprise the valve set configured to place the water input channelin fluid communication with the balloon channel. In the first state theair input valve permits flow through the air input channel andatmospheric valve permits flow through the atmospheric channel. In thesecond state the air input valve permits flow through the air inputchannel and the atmospheric valve blocks flow through the atmosphericvalve. In the third state the primary control valve permits flow fromthe water input channel to the water output channel and the air inputvalve blocks flow through the air input channel. In the fourth state,the primary control valve permits flow from the water input channel tothe balloon channel and the air input valve blocks flow through the airinput channel. In various embodiments, the slot cam may translaterotational motion of the interface member into linear motion of theprimary control valve. Several embodiments may comprise a cam pin and alinkage, the linkage may couple the cam pin to the primary controlvalve. In several such embodiments, the cam pin may follow the slot camto translate rotational motion of the interface member into linearmotion of the primary control valve. Transition from one or more of thefirst state to the second state, the second state to the third state,and the third state to the fourth state may produce tactile feedback viathe interface member. In embodiments, the tactile feedback may becreated by different angles of different portions of the slot cam.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method. Themethod may include placing an air input channel of a valve well in fluidcommunication with an atmospheric channel based on operation of a valveinterface mechanism to a first state, the valve set comprising a primarycontrol valve, an air input valve, and an atmospheric valve, wherein theprimary control valve comprises the air input valve. The method mayinclude placing the air input channel in fluid communication with an airoutput channel of the valve well based on operation of the valveinterface mechanism to a second state. The method may include placingthe water input channel in fluid communication with a water outputchannel of the valve well based on operation of the valve interfacemechanism to a third state. The method may include placing the waterinput channel in fluid communication with the balloon channel of thevalve well based on operation of the valve interface mechanism to afourth state. In some embodiments, the method may include rotating aninterface member in a first direction to operate the user interfacemechanism to the second state and rotating the interface member in asecond direction to operate the user interface mechanism to the thirdstate and/or fourth state. In many embodiments, the method may includerotating the interface member adjust one or more valves in an air/watervalve set via a cam. In several embodiments, the method may includeoperating one or more of a lever, a rocker switch, and an interfacemember to adjust between one or more of the first state, the secondstate, the third state, and the fourth state.

In still another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method. Themethod may include configuring a valve set to place an air input channelof a valve well in fluid communication with an atmospheric channel basedon operation of an interface member to a first state. The method mayinclude configuring the valve set to place the air input channel influid communication with an air output channel of the valve well basedon operation of the interface member to a second state. The method mayinclude configuring the valve set to place the water input channel influid communication with a water output channel of the valve well basedon operation of the interface member to a third state. The method mayinclude configuring the valve set to place the water input channel influid communication with the balloon channel of the valve well based onoperation of the interface member to a fourth state. In variousembodiments, the method may comprise rotating the interface member in afirst direction to operate the interface member to the third state androtating the interface member in a second direction to operate theinterface member to the fourth state. In some embodiments, the methodmay include translating the rotation of the interface member into alinear motion of one or more valves in the valve set via a cam. Inseveral embodiments, the method may include translating the rotation ofthe interface member into a linear motion of one or more valves in thevalve set via a slot cam.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are described by wayof example with reference to the accompanying figures, which areschematic and not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, eachidentical or nearly identical component illustrated is typicallyrepresented by a single numeral. For purposes of clarity, not everycomponent is labeled in every figure, nor is every component of eachembodiment shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those ofordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure. In the figures:

FIG. 1 includes a block diagram of an exemplary suction valve assembly,according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 includes a block diagram of an exemplary air/water (AW) valveassembly, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 3A-3D illustrate various aspects of an exemplary suction valvewell, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 4A-4E illustrate various aspects of an exemplary AW valve well,according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary suction valve set, according to one ormore embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 6A-8C illustrate various aspects of exemplary valves in suctionvalve sets, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary AW valve set, according to one or moreembodiments described herein.

FIGS. 10A-12C illustrate various aspects of exemplary valves in AW valvesets, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary AW valve assembly, according to one ormore embodiments described herein.

FIGS. 14A-14E illustrate various aspects of an exemplary AW valveassembly, according to one or more embodiments described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are generally directed to devices, systems, andmethods for controlling the flow of fluids in endoscopic systems, suchas endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) enabled endoscopes. Some embodiments areparticularly directed to valve sets and/or valve interface mechanismsfor controlling air, water, and/or suction flow through a valve well foran endoscopic system. Several embodiments are directed to user interfacemechanisms and techniques for enabling an operator to interact with andcontrol endoscope valves. Many embodiments are directed to mechanismsand techniques for translating interface input motion into valve controlmotions. In one or more embodiments, the valve sets and/or valveinterface mechanisms may be disposable. These and other embodiments aredescribed and claimed.

Some challenges when controlling the flow of fluids through endoscopesinclude unreliable valves prone to failure. For example, many valves andvalve interface mechanisms are fragile and likely to leak. These issuescan be compounded when the components are designed, constructed, and/orassembled economically to facilitate disposal after a single use.Alternatively, these issues can be compounded when reusable componentsare worn down from multiple use/cleaning cycles. Adding furthercomplexity, user interface mechanisms may be confusing to operate andrequire a steep learning curve. For instance, delicate and nonintuitivemovements may be required to accurately control fluid flows. Further,little or no feedback may be provided to indicate how a set of valves isarranged. For example, an operator may not be able to easily discern viaa user interface mechanism whether the set of valves is arranged toprovide suction to a working channel or provide suction to a balloonchannel. These and other factors may result in devices, systems, andmethods for controlling the flow of fluids through endoscopes that aredifficult to use, inaccurate, inefficient, and unreliable, resulting inlimited applicability and/or uncertain outcomes. Such limitations candrastically reduce the dependability, ergonomics, and intuitiveness offlow control in endoscopes and procedures performed therewith,contributing to reduced usability, adverse outcomes, excess fatigue, andlost revenues.

Various embodiments described herein include one or more components of avalve assembly, such as valves and/or valve interface mechanisms, thatprovide reliable and intuitive control of fluid flow through endoscopes.In several embodiments, the components may provide reliable operationwhile providing sufficient value to be disposable (e.g., single-use). Inmany embodiments, the components may provide accurate and intuitiveinterfaces to improve operator experience. For example, embodiments mayutilize one or more of up-and-down, forward-and-back, side-to-side, androtational interfaces to provide ergonomic and intuitive control offluid flows through endoscopes. Some such embodiments may include one ormore interface members, such as push/pull switches, bellows, rotationalswitches, knobs, buttons, and toggle switches. In many embodiments, oneor more of the components may provide/enable tactile feedback. Forexample, one or more components of the valve interface mechanism mayprovide tactile or haptic feedback to indicate how a set of valves isarranged (e.g., arranged to permit/block flows between variouschannels). In some examples, the force to operate a user interfacemechanism may vary to indicate transitions between valve states. Invarious embodiments, tactile feedback may be produced as a result ofdifferent components of a valve assembly coming into contact, such asdue to received input.

In various embodiments, one or more of the components may be designed tosimplify manufacturability. For instance, the location of one or morebiasing members may simplify component assembly. In these and otherways, components/techniques described here may improve operatorexperience, decrease learning curves, improve reliability, and/ordecrease manufacturing complexity via realization of more efficient andvaluable devices, systems, and methods for controlling the flow offluids in endoscopic systems. In many embodiments, one or more of theadvantageous features may result in several technical effects andadvantages over conventional technology, including increasedcapabilities and improved adaptability.

The present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodimentsdescribed. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describingparticular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting beyondthe scope of the appended claims. Unless otherwise defined, alltechnical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understoodby one of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosure belongs.

Although embodiments of the present disclosure may be described withspecific reference to specific medical devices and systems (e.g., anendoscope), it should be appreciated that such medical devices andsystems may be used in a variety of medical procedures which requirenavigating one or more accessory tools through ductal, luminal, orvascular anatomies, including, for example, interventional radiologyprocedures, balloon angioplasty procedures, thrombolysis procedures,angiography procedures, Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangio-Pancreatography(ERCP) procedures, and the like. The disclosed medical devices andsystems may be inserted via different access points and approaches,e.g., percutaneously, endoscopically, laparoscopically or somecombination thereof.

As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” when used herein,specify the presence of stated features, regions, steps, elements and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements,components and/or groups thereof.

As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the end farthest away fromthe medical professional/operator when introducing a device into apatient, while the term “proximal” refers to the end closest to themedical professional when introducing a device into a patient.

Reference is now made to the drawings, wherein like reference numeralsare used to refer to like elements throughout. In the followingdescription, for purpose of explanation, numerous specific details areset forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It maybe evident, however, that the novel embodiments can be practiced withoutthese specific details. In other instances, well known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate a descriptionthereof. The intention is to cover all modification, equivalents, andalternatives within the scope of the claims.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate block diagrams of exemplary valve assemblies inenvironments 100, 200, according to one or more embodiments describedherein. In some embodiments, one or more components of environment 100and/or environment 200 may be the same or similar to one or more othercomponents described herein. Environment 100 may include a suction valveassembly 102 with a suction valve well 104, a suction valve set 118, anda valve interface mechanism 126. Environment 200 may include anair/water (AW) valve assembly 202 with an AW valve well 204, an AW valveset 218, and a valve interface mechanism 226. In one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, various components of suction valve assembly 102and/or AW valve assembly 202 may interoperate to provide reliable andintuitive control of fluid flow through endoscopic systems. For example,one or more components of valve sets 118, 218 and valve interfacemechanisms 126, 226 may provide reliable and intuitive control of fluidflow through suction valve well 104 or AW valve well 204. In manyembodiments, components of a valve assembly may be classified as, belongto, include, implement, and/or interoperate with one or more of a valvewell, a valve set, and a valve interface mechanism. For instance, avalve interface mechanism may include one or more portions of a valve.Embodiments are not limited in this context.

In environment 100, the suction valve well 104 may include suctionchannel 106, working channel 108, balloon channel 114, and atmosphericchannel 116; the suction valve set 118 may include working channel valve120, balloon valve 122, and atmospheric valve 124; and the valveinterface mechanism 126 may include biasing member set 128 and userinterface mechanism 130. In various embodiments, the channels of thesuction well 104 may be connected to other components in an endoscopicsystem, such as via tubing or piping. In one or more embodimentsdescribed herein, the suction channel 106 may be connected to a suctionsource, the working channel 108 may be connected to a working channel ofan endoscopic device (e.g., endoscope or component disposedtherethrough), the balloon channel 114 may be connected to a balloon ofan endoscopic device. In several embodiments, suction valve set 118 andvalve interface mechanism 126 may control the flow of suction (e.g.,induced by negative pressure relative to atmospheric pressure) throughsuction valve well 104. In several such embodiments, the flow of suctionmay be controlled to the suction channel 106 from one of the workingchannel 108, the balloon channel 114, and the atmospheric channel 116.

In environment 200, the AW valve well 204 may include air input channel206, water input channel 208, air output channel 210, water outputchannel 212, balloon channel 214, and atmospheric channel 216; the AWvalve set 218 may include primary control valve 220, air input valve222, and atmospheric valve 224; and the valve interface mechanism 226may include biasing member set 228 and user interface mechanism 230. Invarious embodiments, the channels of the AW well 204 may be connected toother components in an endoscopic system, such as via tubing or piping.In one or more embodiments described herein, the air input channel 206may be connected to a pressurized air source, the water input channel208 may be connected to a water source, the air output channel 210 maybe connected to an air channel of an endoscopic device (e.g., endoscopeor component disposed therethrough), the water output channel 212 may beconnected to a water channel of an endoscopic device, and the balloonchannel 214 may be connected to a balloon of an endoscopic device. Inseveral embodiments, AW valve set 218 and valve interface mechanism 226may control the flow of air and water through AW valve well 204. Inseveral such embodiments, the flow of air may be controlled from airinput channel 206 to one of the air output channel 210, the atmosphericchannel 216, or blocked, and/or the flow of water may be controlled fromwater input channel 208 to one of water output channel 212, the balloonchannel 214, or blocked.

In many embodiments, suction valve assembly 102 and/or AW valve assembly202 may be used in conjunction with an endoscopic system, such as an EUSsystem. In various embodiments, reference to a balloon may refer to aballoon in the EUS system that can be inflated/deflated to providemedium to facilitate transmission of sound waves and capturing ofultrasound images. For example, valve interface mechanism 126 mayreceive input to control the flow through suction valve well 104 todeflate the balloon by arranging the suction valve set 118 to place thesuction channel 106 in fluid communication with the balloon channel 114.In another example, valve interface mechanism 226 may receive input tocontrol the flow of water through AW valve well to inflate the balloonby arranging the AW valve set 218 to place the water input channel 208in fluid communication with balloon channel 214. In other embodiments,one or more of the components of the valve assembly for AW and/orsuction may be implemented in configurations that do not require orinclude a balloon, such as video capable scope with ultrasoundfunctionality.

More generally, in several embodiments, each channel in a valve well mayrefer to a flow path comprising an input/output of a fluid from/to acorresponding entity. For example, suction channel 106 may refer to aflow path comprising an input from a suction source. In another example,an atmospheric channel may refer to a flow path comprising an output tothe atmosphere. These and other aspects of the present disclosure willbe described in more detail below, such as with respect to FIGS. 3A-4E.In various embodiments, each valve in a valve set may refer to acomponent that physically controls flow through or between one or morechannels. For instance, when closed, the atmospheric valve 124 may blockthe flow of air out of the atmospheric channel 116. In another instance,in a first position, or first state, the primary control valve 220 mayplace the water input channel 208 in fluid communication with the wateroutput channel 212, and in a second position, the primary control valve220 may place the water input channel 208 in fluid communication withthe balloon channel 214. These and other aspects of the presentdisclosure will be described in more detail below, such as with respectto FIGS. 5-12C.

In various embodiments, the valve interface mechanisms may include oneor more components to enable control over the arrangement of valves in avalve set. In such embodiments, biasing member sets may include one ormore, torsional springs, lever springs, coil spring, baffles, dampers,clips, and the like that provide a force to bias one or more componentsin a specific direction or position. For example, the biasing member set228 may cause air to flow out the atmospheric channel when no input isbeing received. In an additional, or alternative example, the biasingmember set 128 may provide differing resistance to operation of the userinterface mechanism 130 between different states, such as to providetactile indications of the state. In various embodiments, each of theuser interface mechanisms 130, 230 may include one or more of aninterface, an interface member, a user interface, a housing, a linkage,a knob, a lever, a rocker switch, a push/pull switch, a knob, a button,a diaphragm switch, a toggle switch, and the like. In some embodiments,an interface, an interface member, and/or a user interface may be thesame or similar.

In several embodiments, user interface mechanisms may include one ormore components to receive input and/or implement valve arrangements.For example, user interface mechanism 130 may include a user interfacecomprising a lever and one or more linkages to translate motion of thelever into appropriate motion of one or more valves to achieve a desiredflow. In various embodiments, user interface mechanisms may include oneor more biasing members and/or biasing members may include one or moreuser interface mechanisms. It will be appreciated that one or morecomponents described herein in the context of a suction valve assemblymay be utilized in or adapted for use in an AW valve assembly, and viceversa, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example,a rotational user interface mechanism described with respect to asuction valve interface mechanism may be utilized in or adapted for usein an AW valve interface mechanism. These and other aspects of thepresent disclosure will be described in more detail below.

FIGS. 3A-4E illustrate various aspects of exemplary valve well blockdiagrams of exemplary valve assemblies in environments 300A-D, 400A-E,according to one or more embodiments described herein. In someembodiments, one or more components of FIGS. 3A-4E may be the same orsimilar to one or more other components described herein. Environments300A-D illustrate a suction valve well 304 comprising a suction channel306, a working channel 308, a balloon channel 314 and an atmosphericchannel 315. Environments 400A-E illustrate an AW valve well 404 with anair input channel 406, a water input channel 408, an air output channel210, a water output channel 212, a balloon channel 214, and anatmospheric channel 216. In one or more embodiments described herein,fluid may flow through the valve wells based on the arrangement of oneor more valves as positioned by one or more valve interface mechanisms.Embodiments are not limited in this context.

Referring to FIG. 3A, environment 300A illustrates various components ofsuction valve well 304. The suction valve well 304 may include a top 345and a bottom 335. The suction channel 306, working channel 308, andballoon channel 314 may comprise respective entrances/exits towards thebottom 355 while the atmospheric channel 316 may comprise an entrancetowards the top 345. In the illustrated embodiment, the balloon channel314 includes a necking portion 334, the working channel 308 includes awell radial hole 336, and the atmospheric channel 316 includes a lip332. In one or more embodiments, the necking portion 334 may enable avalve to prevent fluid flow through the balloon channel 314, such as byblocking the necking portion 334. In various embodiments, the wellradial hole 336 may enable the working channel 308 to be placed in fluidcommunication with the suction channel 306. In several embodiments, thelip 332 may enable one or more suction valve sets and/or valve interfacemechanisms to couple to the suction valve well 304. In many embodiments,valves and/or valve interface mechanisms may be inserted throughatmospheric channel 316 for assembly of a suction valve assembly. Itwill be appreciated that the orientation and/or arrangement of one ormore of the channels and/or flows may be modified in various embodimentswithout departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3B, environment 300B illustrates a flow 338-1 throughthe suction valve well 304 in an atmospheric suction state 305-1. In theatmospheric suction state 305-1, flow 338-1 may enter via theatmospheric channel 316 and exit through the suction channel 306. Forexample, suction channel 306 may be an input in the handle of a medicalscope that is connected to a vacuum system, such as for a hospital,home, and/or mobile device.

Further, in some embodiments, flow may be blocked through the balloonchannel 314 at the necking portion 334 and flow may be blocked throughthe working channel 308 at the well radial hole 336. As will bediscussed in more detail below, in operation, fluid communication withthe atmosphere may be provided through a passage/channel in, or createdby, one or more components (e.g., a valve inserted into the atmosphericchannel 316). Further, one or more components may be used to sealportions of the atmospheric channel 316 to facilitate blocking of fluidcommunication with the atmosphere by an atmospheric valve.

Referring to FIG. 3C, environment 300C illustrates a flow 338-2 throughthe suction valve well 304 in a working channel suction state 305-2. Inthe working channel suction state 305-2, flow 338-2 may enter via theworking channel 308, pass through the well radial hole 336, and exitthrough the suction channel 306. Further, in many embodiments, flow maybe blocked through the balloon channel 314 at the necking portion 334and flow may be blocked through the atmospheric channel 316.

Referring to FIG. 3D, environment 300D illustrates a flow 338-3 throughthe suction valve well 304 in a balloon channel suction state 305-3. Inthe balloon channel suction state 305-3, flow 338-3 may enter via theballoon channel 314 and exit through the suction channel 306. Further,in several embodiments, flow may be blocked through the working channel308 at the well radial hole 336 and may be blocked through theatmospheric channel 316.

Referring to FIG. 4A, environment 400A illustrates various components ofAW valve well 404. The AW valve well 404 may include a top 445 and abottom 435 and/or an air portion 425 and a water portion 435. The airoutput channel 410, air input channel 412, and atmospheric channel 416may be in the air portion 425. The atmospheric channel 416 may comprisea horizontally-oriented exit towards the top 345 and lip 432, the airinput channel 412 may comprise a horizontally-oriented entrance towardsthe top 345, the air output channel 410 may comprise avertically-oriented exit towards the top. The water input channel 408,water output channel 412, and balloon channel 414 may be in the waterportion 435. The balloon channel 414 may comprise a vertically-orientedexit proximate the middle, the water input channel 408 may comprise avertically-oriented entrance toward the bottom 455, and the water outputchannel 412 may comprise a vertically-oriented exit toward the bottom455. In several embodiments, the lip 432 may enable one or more suctionvalve sets and/or valve interface mechanisms to couple to the AW valvewell 404.

In several embodiments, the AW valve well 404 may change diameters oneor more times. For example, the diameter changes in conjunction withvertical displacement of a valve may enable flow around the valve andthrough a channel. In the illustrated embodiment, the AW valve well mayhave a first diameter comprising the entrance/exits of the airinput/atmospheric channels 412, 416, a second diameter comprising theexit of the air output channel 410, a third diameter comprising theentrance/exit of the water input/balloon channels 408, 414, and a fourthdiameter comprising the exit of the water output channel 412. It will beappreciated that the orientation, size, and/or arrangement of one ormore of the channels and/or flows may be modified in various embodimentswithout departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 4B, environment 400B illustrates a flow 438-1 throughthe AW valve well 404 in an air escape state 405-1. In the air escapestate 405-1, flow 438-1 may enter via air input channel 406 and exitthrough the atmospheric channel 416. Further, in some embodiments, flowmay be blocked through one or more of balloon channel 414, water inputchannel 408, and water output channel 412.

Referring to FIG. 4C, environment 400C illustrates a flow 438-2 throughthe AW valve well 404 in an air delivery state 405-2. In the airdelivery state 405-2, flow 438-2 may enter via the air input channel 406and exit through the air output channel 410. Further, in variousembodiments, flow may be blocked through one or more of atmosphericchannel 416, balloon channel 414, water input channel 408, and wateroutput channel 412.

Referring to FIG. 4D, environment 400D illustrates a flow 438-3 throughthe AW valve well 404 in a water delivery state 405-3. In the waterdelivery state 405-3, flow 438-3 may enter via water input channel 408and exit through the water output channel 412. Further, in variousembodiments, flow may be blocked through one or more of the balloonchannel 414, air output channel 410, air input channel 406, andatmospheric channel 416. In various embodiments, blocking flow at theair input channel 406 may cause pressure to build in a water sourcefeeding the water input channel 408. In various such embodiments,pressure in the water source may cause fluid to flow from the watersource to water input channel 408.

Referring to FIG. 4E, environment 400E illustrates a flow 438-4 throughthe AW valve well 404 in a balloon fill state 405-4. In the balloon fillstate 405-4, flow 438-4 may enter via the water input channel 408 andexit through the balloon channel 414. Further, in many embodiments, flowmay be blocked through one or more of the water output channel 412, airoutput channel 410, air input channel 406, and atmospheric channel 413.

FIGS. 5-12C illustrate various aspects of exemplary valve sets inenvironments 500, 600A, 600B, 700A, 700B, 800A-C, 900, 1000A, 1000B,1100A, 1100B, 1200A-C, according to one or more embodiments describedherein. In some embodiments, one or more components of FIGS. 5-12C maybe the same or similar to one or more other components described herein.Environments 500-800C illustrate various aspects of a suction valve set518 in conjunction with one or more components of suction valve well304. Environments 900-1200C illustrate various aspects of an AW valveset 918 in conjunction with one or more components of AW valve well 404.In one or more embodiments described herein, fluid may flow through thevalve wells based on the arrangement of one or more valves as positionedby one or more valve interface mechanisms. In many embodiments, one ormore valves described herein may include a plurality of componentsconfigured to control fluid through a valve well. Embodiments are notlimited in this context.

Referring to FIG. 5 , environment 500 illustrates suction valve set 518in conjunction with suction valve well 304. Suction valve set 518 mayinclude working channel valve 520, balloon valve 522, and atmosphericvalve 524. The working channel valve 520 may include a working channelvalve radial hole 540 that enables fluid to flow into the workingchannel valve 520 out of the bottom of the working channel valve 520. Inseveral embodiments, the working channel valve 520 may be inserted intothe working channel of suction valve well 304 to control flowtherethrough. The balloon valve 522 may be inserted into balloon channel314 of suction valve well 304 to control flow therethrough. Theatmospheric valve 524 may be inserted into the atmospheric channel ofsuction valve well 304 to control flow therethrough. In manyembodiments, one or more valves in suction valve set 518 may beintegrated with one or more portions of a housing and/or valve interfacemechanism corresponding to suction valve well 304.

In one or more embodiments, the atmospheric valve 524 may be configuredto control fluid communication with the atmosphere from the interior ofthe suction valve well 304. In many embodiments, the atmospheric valve524 may include a hole in a housing. In some embodiments, theatmospheric valve 524 may be operated by covering and/or uncovering thehole, such as with a finger or other mechanism. In several embodiments,the positioning and/or configuration of the valves in suction valve set518 may be controlled by one or more components of a corresponding valveinterface mechanism. For example, depressing a valve interface mechanismto a first stop may simultaneously shut off atmospheric suction via aseal on the underside of a cap and open working channel suction bypushing down the center of the working channel valve 520 to align theworking channel valve radial hole 540 and the well radial hole.

Referring to FIG. 6A, environment 600A illustrates a balloon valve openstate 615-1. In the balloon valve open state 615-1, the balloon valve522 may allow flow through the balloon channel 314 by permitting flowthrough the necking portion 334 of balloon channel 314. Referring toFIG. 6B, environment 600B illustrates a balloon valve sealed state615-2. In the balloon valve sealed state 615-2, the balloon valve 522may prevent flow through balloon channel 314 by blocking flow throughthe necking portion 334 of balloon channel 314. In additional, oralternative embodiments, the default state of the balloon valve 522 maybe the balloon valve sealed state 615-2 and the balloon valve 522 may bedepressed toward the bottom 355 and below the necking portion 334 totransition into the balloon valve open state 615-1.

Referring to FIG. 7A, environment 700A illustrates an atmospheric valveopen state 715-1. In the atmospheric valve open state 715-1, theatmospheric valve 524 may allow flow through the atmospheric channel 316of suction valve well 304. Referring to FIG. 7B, environment 700Billustrates an atmospheric valve sealed state 715-2. In the atmosphericvalve sealed state 715-2, the atmospheric valve 524 may prevent flowthrough atmospheric channel 316. As will be discussed in more detailbelow, in operation, fluid communication with the atmosphere may beprovided through a passage/channel in, or created by, one or morecomponents. Further, one or more components may be used to seal portionsof the atmospheric channel 316 to facilitate control of fluidcommunication with the atmosphere by atmospheric valve 524. In someembodiments, atmospheric valve 524 may include a plurality of componentsconfigured to control fluid communication with the atmosphere.

Referring to FIG. 8A, environment 800A illustrates a working channelvalve first sealed state 815-1. In the working channel valve firstsealed state 815-1, the working channel valve 520 may prevent flowthrough well radial hole 336 by misaligning the working channel valveradial hole 540 with the well radial hole 336, such as with workingchannel valve 520 being positioned such that working channel valveradial hole 540 is above well radial hole 336. Referring to FIG. 8B,environment 800B illustrates a working channel valve open state 815-2.In the working channel valve open state 815-2, the working channel valveradial hole 540 and the well radial hole 336 may be aligned to permitsuction flow through working channel 308. For example, the flow mayenter through the bottom of the working channel valve 520 and exitthrough the well radial hole 336. Referring to FIG. 8C, environment 800Cillustrates a working channel valve second sealed state 815-3. In theworking channel valve second sealed state 815-3, the working channelvalve 520 may prevent flow through well radial hole 336 by misaligningthe working channel valve radial hole 540 with the well radial hole 336,such as with working channel valve 520 being positioned such thatworking channel radial hole 440 is below well radial hole 336.

Referring to FIG. 9 , environment 900 illustrates AW valve set 918 inconjunction with AW valve well 404. AW valve set 918 may include primarycontrol valve 920, air input valve 922, and atmospheric valve 924. Inseveral embodiments, the primary control valve 920 may be inserted intothe AW valve well 404 to control, at least in part, the flow through oneor more channels of the AW valve well 404. In various embodiments, theair input valve 922 may be inserted into the air input channel of the AWvalve well 404 to control flow therethrough. In many embodiments, theatmospheric valve 924 may be inserted into the atmospheric channel of AWvalve well 404 to control flow therethrough. In many embodiments, one ormore valves in AW valve set 918 may be integrated with one or moreportions of a housing and/or valve interface mechanism corresponding toAW valve well 404.

In one or more embodiments, the atmospheric valve 924 may be configuredto control fluid communication with the atmosphere from the interior ofthe AW valve well 404. In many embodiments, the atmospheric valve 924may include a hole in a housing. In some embodiments, the atmosphericvalve 924 may be operated by covering and/or uncovering the hole, suchas with a finger or other mechanism. In several embodiments, thepositioning and/or configuration of the valves in AW valve set 918 maybe controlled by one or more components of a corresponding valveinterface mechanism. In some embodiments, one or more portions of theatmospheric channel 416 may be included in the primary control valve920. In some such embodiments, the atmospheric channel 416 may compriseone or more passages through at least a portion of the primary controlvalve 920. For example, the atmospheric channel 416 may comprise a holein the top of the primary control valve 920 in fluid communication witha radial hole in the primary control valve 920 proximate the air inputchannel 406. In such examples, covering the hole may direct air flowinto the air output channel 410 and down a working channel of anendoscope.

Referring to FIG. 10A, environment 1000A illustrates an atmosphericvalve open state. In the atmospheric valve open state, the atmosphericvalve 924 may allow flow through the atmospheric channel of AW valvewell 404. Referring to FIG. 10B, environment 1000B illustrates anatmospheric valve sealed state 1015-2. In the atmospheric valve sealedstate 1015-2, the atmospheric valve 924 may prevent flow throughatmospheric channel of AW valve well 404. As will be discussed in moredetail below, in operation, fluid communication with the atmosphere maybe provided through a passage/channel in, or created by, one or morecomponents (e.g., primary control valve 920). Further, one or morecomponents may be used to seal portions of the atmospheric channel 316to facilitate control of fluid communication with the atmosphere byatmospheric valve 924. In some embodiments, atmospheric valve 924 mayinclude a plurality of components configured to control fluidcommunication with the atmosphere.

Referring to FIG. 11A, environment 1100A illustrates an air input valveopen state 1115-1. In the air input valve open state 1115-1, the airinput valve 522 may allow flow through the air input channel of AW valvewell 404. Referring to FIG. 11B, environment 1100B illustrates an airinput valve sealed state 1115-2. In the air input valve sealed state1115-2, the air input valve 922 may prevent flow through the air inputchannel of AW valve well 404. In some embodiments, sealing the air inputchannel may cause a fluid source (e.g., water reservoir) to bepressurized, thereby enabling/causing fluid to flow into the AW valvewell 404 via water input channel 408.

Referring to FIG. 12A, environment 1200A illustrates a primary valvesealed state 1215-1. In the primary valve sealed state 1215-1, theprimary control valve 920 may prevent flow through one or more of theballoon channel 414, water input channel 408, and water output channel412. Referring to FIG. 12B, environment 1200B illustrates a primaryvalve water output state 1215-2. In the primary valve water output state1215-2, the primary control valve 920 may be positioned to block flowthrough balloon channel 414 and permit flow from water input channel 408to water output channel 412. In various embodiments, primary controlvalve 920 may utilize changes in diameter in AW valve well 404 tocontrol flow. Referring to FIG. 12C, environment 1200C illustrates aprimary valve balloon fill state 1215-3. In the primary valve balloonfill state 1215-3, the primary control valve 920 may be positioned toblock flow through water output channel 412 and permit flow from waterinput channel 408 to balloon channel 414. In various embodiments, one ormore features of primary control valve 920 may operate as valves formultiple channels. In some embodiments, one or more features of primarycontrol valve 920 may comprise one or more channels, or one or moreportions thereof. For example, primary control valve 920 may compriseatmospheric channel 416. FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary AW valveassembly 1302 in environment 1300, according to one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. In many embodiments, a cross section of one or moreportions of AW valve assembly 1302 may be illustrated in environment1300. In some embodiments, one or more components of FIG. 13 may be thesame or similar to one or more other components described herein. AWvalve assembly 1302 includes an AW valve well 1304, an AW valve set, anda valve interface mechanism. The AW valve well 1304 includes air inputchannel 1306, water input channel 1308, air output channel 1310, wateroutput channel 1312, balloon channel 1314, and lip 1332. The AW valveset may include primary control valve 1320 with interior channel 1321and atmospheric channel 1316, air input valve 1322, and atmosphericvalve 1324. In the illustrated embodiment, the air input valve 1322 andthe atmospheric valve 1324 may include, or be included in, one or moreportions of the valve interface mechanism. The valve interface mechanismincludes biasing members 1328-1, 1328-2, toggle 1350, cam 1352 withatmospheric valve 1324, housing 1354, and linkages 1364-1, 1364-2. Inone or more embodiments described herein, toggle 1350 may be moved tocontrol the flow of fluid through AW valve assembly 1302, such as byswitching between an air escape state 1305-1, an air delivery state1305-2, a water delivery state 1305-3, and a balloon fill state 1305-4.Embodiments are not limited in this context.

In some embodiments, the linkage 1364-1 may be attached to, or includedin, primary control valve 1320. In various embodiments, air input valve1322 may be coupled to linkage 1364-1 via biasing member 1328-1. In manyembodiments, linkage 1364-2 may seat in the AW valve well 1304 to enablebiasing member 1328-2 to push against linkage 1364-1 and bias primarycontrol valve 1320 toward the top. In several embodiments, primarycontrol valve 1320 may be able to slide up and down through linkage1364-2. In the illustrated embodiment, housing 1354 may couple to the AWvalve well 1304 via lip 1332. The housing 1354 may provide a rigidmounting point for one or more components of AW valve assembly 1302,such as for toggle 1350 and cam 1352 to rotatably couple to.

In many embodiments, cam 1352 may enable motion of toggle 1350 to betranslated into linear motion of primary control valve 1320. In variousembodiments, cam 1352 may include a profile with one or more steps, suchas to seal atmospheric channel 1316 and/or move primary control valve1320 toward the bottom. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, cam 1352may include three steps or levels with a first step corresponding to theair delivery state 1305-2, a second step corresponding to the waterdelivery state 1305-3, and a third step corresponding to the balloonfill state 1305-4. Accordingly, articulating toggle 1350 betweendifferent positions may cause cam 1352 to contact and/or move primarycontrol valve 1320 to switch between the air escape state 1305-1, theair delivery state 1305-2, the water delivery state 1305-3, and theballoon fill state 1305-4. In several embodiments, a spring may becoupled to toggle 1350 to bias the toggle 1350, and thereby the primarycontrol valve 1320, into a specific position or state.

Referring to air escape state 1305-1, the cam 1352 may be positioned outof contact with the primary control valve 1320 to enable fluid from airinput valve 1322 through the interior channel 1321 and escape toatmosphere through the top of the primary control valve 1320 viaatmospheric channel 1316. With cam 1352 positioned out of contact withthe primary control valve 1320, biasing member 1328-2 may force primarycontrol valve 1320 toward the top of the AW valve assembly 1302.Further, biasing member 1328-1 may ensure that air input valve 1322 isin an open state due to biasing member 1328-2 forcing primary controlvalve 1320 toward the top of the AW valve assembly 1302.

Referring to air delivery state 1305-2, the first step of cam 1352 maybe positioned in contact with the primary control valve 1320 such thatthe first step of the cam 1352 acts as atmospheric valve 1324 and sealsatmospheric channel 1316. In the air delivery state 1305-2, fluid mayflow from the air input channel 1306 to the air output channel 1310 viainterior channel 1321. With the first step of cam 1352 positioned incontact with the primary control valve 1320, biasing member 1328-2 mayforce primary control valve 1320 toward the top of the AW valve assembly1302 to facilitate sealing between the atmospheric channel 1316 and thefirst step of the cam 1352. Further, the first step of cam 1352 may onlyslightly compress biasing member 1328-2 and slightly force linkage1364-1 downward such that biasing member 1328-1 is still able to ensurethat air input valve 1322 is in an open state due to biasing member1328-2 forcing primary control valve 1320 toward the top of the AW valveassembly 1302.

Referring to water delivery state 1305-3, the second step of cam 1352may be positioned in contact with the primary control valve 1320 suchthat the second step of the cam 1352 acts as atmospheric valve 1324 andseals atmospheric channel 1316. Additionally, positioning the secondstep of cam 1352 in contact with the primary control valve 1320 mayforce the primary control valve 1320 toward the bottom, causing airinput valve 1322 to seal against air input channel 1306 and placingwater input channel 1308 in fluid communication with water outputchannel 1312. In the water delivery state 1305-3, fluid flow from theair input channel 1306 may be blocked by air input valve 1322 and fluidmay flow from the water input channel 1308 to the water output channel1312. With the second step of cam 1352 positioned in contact with theprimary control valve 1320, biasing member 1328-2 may force primarycontrol valve 1320 toward the top of the AW valve assembly 1302 tofacilitate sealing between the atmospheric channel 1316 and the secondstep of the cam 1352. Further, the second step of cam 1352 may compressbiasing member 1328-2 and force linkage 1364-1 downward such thatbiasing member 1328-1 forces air input valve 1322 downward to seal airinput channel 1306.

Referring to balloon fill state 1305-4, the third step of cam 1352 maybe positioned in contact with the primary control valve 1320 such thatthe third step of the cam 1352 acts as atmospheric valve 1324 and sealsatmospheric channel 1316. Additionally, positioning the third step ofcam 1352 in contact with the primary control valve 1320 may force theprimary control valve 1320 toward the bottom, causing air input valve1322 to seal against air input channel 1306 and placing water inputchannel 1308 in fluid communication with balloon channel 1314. In theballoon fill state 1305-4, fluid flow from the air input channel 1306may be blocked by air input valve 1322 and fluid may flow from the waterinput channel 1308 to the balloon channel 1314. With the third step ofcam 1352 positioned in contact with the primary control valve 1320,biasing member 1328-2 may force primary control valve 1320 toward thetop of the AW valve assembly 1302 to facilitate sealing between theatmospheric channel 1316 and the third step of the cam 1352. Further,the third step of cam 1352 may compress biasing member 1328-2 and forcelinkage 1364-1 downward such that biasing member 1328-1 forces air inputvalve 1322 downward to seal air input channel 1306.

FIGS. 14A-14E illustrate various aspects of an exemplary AW valveassembly 1402 in environments 1400A-E, according to one or moreembodiments described herein. In many embodiments, a cross section ofone or more portions of AW valve assembly 1402 may be illustrated inenvironments 1400A-E. In some embodiments, one or more components ofFIGS. 14A-14E may be the same or similar to one or more other componentsdescribed herein. AW valve assembly 1402 includes an AW valve well 1404,an AW valve set, and a valve interface mechanism 1426. In theillustrated embodiment, AW valve well 1404 is be the same as AW valvewell 1304. Accordingly, fewer components of AW valve well 1404 arelabeled for simplicity. The AW valve set may include air input valve1422 and primary control valve 1420 with interior channel 1421,atmospheric channel 1416, and radial air hole 1466. In the illustratedembodiment, the air input valve 1422 may include, or be included in, oneor more portions of the primary control valve 1420 and/or the valveinterface mechanism 1426. The valve interface mechanism 1426 includeshousing 1454, knob 1456, interface 1458, slot cam 1460, cam pin 1462,and linkage 1464. In one or more embodiments described herein, knob 1456may be rotated, such as via interface 1458, to control the flow of fluidthrough AW valve assembly 1402. Accordingly, in FIGS. 14A-14E,respectively, environment 1400B may illustrate one or more aspects of anair escape state, environment 1400C may illustrate one or more aspectsof an air delivery state, environment 1400D may illustrate one or moreaspects of a water delivery state, and environment 1400E may illustrateone or more aspects of a balloon fill state. Embodiments are not limitedin this context.

Referring to environment 1400A, in some embodiments, the linkage 1464may be attached to, or included in, primary control valve 1420. Invarious embodiments, air input valve 1422 may be attached to, orincluded in, primary control valve 1420. In many embodiments, linkage1464 may be disposed within interior channel 1421. In other embodiments,interior channel 1421 may be disposed within linkage 1464. In theillustrated embodiment, housing 1454 may couple to the AW valve well1404 via lip 1332. The housing 1454 may provide a rigid mounting pointfor one or more components of AW valve assembly 1402, such as for knob1456 to rotatably couple to.

In many embodiments, knob 1456 may be rotated to control the position ofthe primary control valve 1420 in AW valve well 1404. In many suchembodiments, rotating knob 1456 may cause the cam pin 1462 to follow theprofile of the slot cam 1460 and force the primary control valve 1420 upor down, as will be described in more detail below with respect toenvironments 1400D, 1400E. In some embodiments, rotating knob 1456, suchas via interface 1458, may cause block flow through one or more ofatmospheric channel 1416, interior channel 1421, and radial air hole1466. For instance, rotating knob 1456 may block fluid communicationbetween radial air hole 1466 and atmospheric channel 1416. In someembodiments, radial air hole 1466 may include a plurality of holesprovided access to interior channel 1421.

In several embodiments, a torsional spring may be coupled to knob 1456to bias the knob 1456, and thereby the primary control valve 1420, intoa specific position. In the illustrated embodiment, knob 1456 is biasedsuch that cam pin 1462 is in a flat portion in the middle of slot cam1460. However, in other embodiments, knob 1456 is biased such that campin 1462 is on one side or the other of slot cam 1460. Further, in otherembodiments, slot cam 1460 may take on a variety of geometries. Forinstance, slot cam 1460 may include flat portions on each side. Inanother instance, slot cam 1460 may include additional angled sections,such as additional angled sections configured to further raise or lowerprimary control valve 1420, and/or close atmospheric channel 1416. Inone or more embodiments, the geometry of the slot cam 1460 may providetactile feedback. For example, the flat portions and/or different anglesof sections may provide tactile feedback. An alternative slot camgeometry is included in environments 1400B, 1400C for illustrativepurposes.

Referring to FIG. 14B, environment 1400B may illustrate an air escapestate of AW valve assembly 1402. In the air escape state, flow 1438-1may enter through the air input channel 1406, pass through the radialair hole 1466, enter interior channel 1421, and exit through theatmospheric channel 1416 at the top of AW valve well assembly 1402.Referring to FIG. 14C, environment 1400C may illustrate an air deliverystate of AW valve assembly 1402. In the air delivery state, flow 1438-2may enter through the air input channel 1406, pass through the interiorchannel 1421 via radial air hole 1466, and exit through the air outputchannel 1410. In various embodiments, the atmospheric channel 1416 maybe blocked to transition from the air escape state to the air deliverystate. In some embodiments, rotation of knob 1456 may cause theatmospheric channel 1416 to be blocked. In some such embodiments, knob1456 may be depressed to control the position of the primary controlvalve 1420. In other embodiments, depressing knob 1456 may cause theatmospheric channel 1416 to be blocked. In still other embodiments, afinger may be placed over atmospheric channel 1416 to block it.

Referring to FIG. 14D, environment 1400D may illustrate aspects of AWvalve assembly 1402 in a water delivery state. Knobs 1456-1, 1456-2 mayillustrate front and side views of knob 1456, respectively. In theillustrated embodiment, clockwise 1480 rotation of knob 1456 may forcecam pin 1462 to force primary control valve 1420 downward a firstamount. In various embodiments, the downward motion of the primarycontrol valve 1420 may place the water input channel 1408 in fluidcommunication with the water output channel 1412 and/or cause air inputvalve 1422 to block flow from air input channel 1406. In manyembodiments, a biasing member may force air input valve 1422 against airinput channel 1406 to block flow from air input channel 1406 in a mannersimilar to the manner illustrated and described with respect to FIG. 13.

Referring to FIG. 14E, environment 1400E may illustrate aspects of AWvalve assembly 1402 in a balloon fill state. Knobs 1456-1, 1456-2 mayillustrate front and side views of knob 1456, respectively. In theillustrated embodiment, counterclockwise 1482 rotation of knob 1456 mayforce cam pin 1462 to force primary control valve 1420 downward a secondamount, wherein the second amount is greater than the first amount. Invarious embodiments, the downward motion of the primary control valve1420 may place the water input channel 1408 in fluid communication withthe balloon channel 1414 and/or cause air input valve 1422 to block flowfrom air input channel 1406. In many embodiments, a biasing member mayforce air input valve 1422 against air input channel 1406 to block flowfrom air input channel 1406 in a manner similar to the mannerillustrated and described with respect to FIG. 13 .

The medical devices of the present disclosure are not limited, and mayinclude a variety of medical devices for accessing body passageways,including, for example, duodenoscopes, catheters, ureteroscopes,bronchoscopes, colonoscopes, arthroscopes, cystoscopes, hysteroscopes,EUS endoscopes, and the like. In various embodiments, the valveassemblies, or components thereof, described herein may include one ormore (e.g., as a single or set of units) of a mounting point, mechanicalcoupler, bearing, seal, O-ring, actuator, valve, diaphragm, gasket,housing, connector, structural member, manifold, ergonomic features(e.g., finger/thumb grooves, padding, grip, application of mechanicaladvantage, and the like), spring, bellow, cantilever biasing member,torsional biasing member, linear biasing member, flapper valve, skirt,fin, disc, channel, cavity, lumen, and the like. In many embodiments,one or more components described herein may be constructed utilizing avariety of devices, technologies and/or processes, such asthree-dimensional (3D) printing, multi-axis computer numeric control(CNC) machines, additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing,injection molding, computer aided design (CAD) programs, path planningprograms, machining, forging, casting, and the like.

All of the devices and/or methods disclosed and claimed herein can bemade and executed without undue experimentation in light of the presentdisclosure. While the devices and methods of this disclosure have beendescribed in terms of preferred embodiments, it may be apparent to thoseof skill in the art that variations can be applied to the devices and/ormethods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the methoddescribed herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope ofthe disclosure. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparentto those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scopeand concept of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A medical device, comprising: a valve setincluding a primary control valve, an air input valve, and anatmospheric valve, the primary control valve configured to control flowbetween a water input channel, a water output channel, and a balloonchannel of a valve well, the air input valve configured to control flowthrough an air input channel of the valve well, and the atmosphericvalve configured to control flow through an atmospheric channel; a valveinterface mechanism including a set of one or more biasing members and auser interface mechanism, the user interface mechanism comprising aninterface member and a slot cam, the interface member operable between afirst state, a second state, a third state, and a fourth state, thefirst state comprising the valve set configured to place the air inputchannel in fluid communication with the atmospheric channel, the secondstate comprising the valve set configured to place the air input channelin fluid communication with the air output channel, the third statecomprising the valve set configured to place the water input channel influid communication with the water output channel, and the fourth statecomprising the valve set configured to place the water input channel influid communication with the balloon channel, wherein in the first statethe air input valve permits flow through the air input channel and theatmospheric valve permits flow through the atmospheric channel, whereinin the second state the air input valve permits flow through the airinput channel and the atmospheric valve blocks flow through theatmospheric valve, wherein in the third state the primary control valvepermits flow from the water input channel to the water output channeland the air input valve blocks flow through the air input channel, andwherein in the fourth state the primary control valve permits flow fromthe water input channel to the balloon channel and the air input valveblocks flow through the air input channel.
 2. The medical device ofclaim 1, the slot cam configured to translate rotational motion of theinterface member into linear motion of the primary control valve.
 3. Themedical device of claim 1, the user interface mechanism furthercomprising a cam pin and a linkage, the linkage to couple the cam pin tothe primary control valve.
 4. The medical device of claim 3, the cam pinto follow the slot cam to translate rotational motion of the interfacemember into linear motion of the primary control valve.
 5. The medicaldevice of claim 1, wherein a transition from one or more of the firststate to the second state, the second state to the third state, and thethird state to the fourth state produces tactile feedback via theinterface member.
 6. The medical device of claim 5, wherein the tactilefeedback is created by different angles of different portions of theslot cam.
 7. The medical device of claim 1, the set of one or morebiasing members comprising a first biasing member to bias the primarycontrol valve toward a top of the valve well.
 8. The medical device ofclaim 7, the set of one or more biasing members comprising a secondbiasing member to couple the primary control valve to the air inputvalve.
 9. The medical device of claim 1, the set of one or more biasingmembers comprising a biasing member to bias the air input valve againstthe air input channel in the third and fourth states.
 10. The medicaldevice of claim 9, the biasing member to prevent the air input valvefrom blocking the air input channel in the first and second states. 11.A method, comprising: configuring a valve set to place an air inputchannel of a valve well in fluid communication with an atmosphericchannel based on operation of an interface member to a first state;configuring the valve set to place the air input channel in fluidcommunication with an air output channel of the valve well based onoperation of the interface member to a second state; configuring thevalve set to place the water input channel in fluid communication with awater output channel of the valve well based on operation of theinterface member to a third state; and configuring the valve set toplace the water input channel in fluid communication with the balloonchannel of the valve well based on operation of the interface member toa fourth state.
 12. The method of claim 11, comprising rotating theinterface member in a first direction to operate the interface member tothe third state and rotating the interface member in a second directionto operate the interface member to the fourth state.
 13. The method ofclaim 11, comprising translating the rotation of the interface memberinto a linear motion of one or more valves in the valve set via a slotcam.
 14. The method of claim 11, comprising coupling one or more valvesin the valve set to a cam pin via a linkage.
 15. The method of claim 14,comprising following the slot cam with the cam pin to translaterotational motion of the interface member into linear motion of the oneor more valves in the valve set.
 16. The method of claim 11, comprisingproviding tactile feedback via the interface member.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the tactile feedback is produced by a transition ofthe interface member from one or more of the first state to the secondstate, the second state to the third state, and the third state to thefourth state.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the tactile feedbackis created by different angles of different portions of the slot cam.19. The method of claim 11, comprising biasing one or more valves of thevalve set toward a top of the valve well via a first biasing member. 20.The method of claim 19, comprising coupling the one or more valves ofthe valve set to the air input valve via a second biasing member.